Sweep focuses on sex offenders

A two-day multi-agency operation targeting registered sex offenders in Carroll County resulted in 14 arrests — including 13 registered sex offenders — the seizure of two firearms and the discovery of evidence that has prompted multiple federal investigations, according to law enforcement officials.

Among those arrested was Warren E. Barlow III, 46, of Eureka Springs, who was arrested on allegations of possessing a child sex doll and failing to comply with sex offender registration requirements. Barlow’s arrest outside Mud Street Cafe on Thursday, May 28, was captured on video that later circulated on social media.

Operation Watchtower, led by the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office, was conducted Thursday and Friday, May 28-29, and involved local, state, federal and tribal law enforcement agencies. Authorities said the operation focused on ensuring compliance with Arkansas sex offender registration requirements while also investigating potential new criminal activity.

Participating agencies included the Arkansas Attorney General’s Office, Arkansas Division of Community Correction, Arkansas State Police Internet Crimes Against Children unit, Benton County Sheriff’s Office, Carroll County Office of Emergency Management, Carroll County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, Eureka Springs Police Department, Harrison Police Department, Rogers Police Department, the U.S. Marshals Service, Homeland Security Investigations, the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Wyandotte Nation Tribal Police Department.

Those arrested included:

• Barlow, charged with possession of a child sex doll and failure to comply with sex offender registration requirements.

• Jeffrey Bressler, charged with possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

• Robert Brinegar, charged with failure to comply with sex offender registration requirements and possession of drug paraphernalia.

• Majesti Bush, charged with failure to comply with sex offender registration requirements.

• Bryan Deavers, charged with failure to comply with sex offender registration requirements.

• Gregory DeWeese, charged with failure to comply with sex offender registration requirements.

• Stephen Doty, charged with failure to comply with sex offender registration requirements and possession of methamphetamine.

• Sean Hamilton, charged with failure to comply with sex offender registration requirements and possession of a firearm by certain persons.

• Michael J. Kennelly, charged with failure to comply with sex offender registration requirements.

• Brett Pippin, charged with failure to pay fines.

• Jess Spence, charged with failure to comply with sex offender registration requirements and possession of methamphetamine.

• Michael Turner, charged with failure to comply with sex offender registration requirements.

• Gregory Parker, charged with failure to comply with sex offender registration requirements and possession of a firearm by certain persons.

Authorities also arrested Rose-Lynn Locke, who is not a registered sex offender, on an allegation of possession of methamphetamine.

Law enforcement officers conducted early-morning consent searches at registered offenders’ residences throughout the county. During those visits, investigators examined computers, cell phones, tablets and digital storage devices and verified compliance with registration requirements. Authorities said contact was made with more than 90 percent of registered offenders in the county.

Carroll County Sheriff Daniel Klatt said two firearms were seized from convicted felons during the operation. Those cases are being referred to the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives for possible federal prosecution. Five additional cases are being referred to Homeland Security Investigations for forensic analysis of digital devices for potential federal violations.

Authorities said investigations remain ongoing and that additional warrants may be sought for individuals found to be out of compliance with sex offender registration requirements. Digital evidence processing will be assisted by the Arkansas Attorney General’s Office, Arkansas State Police Internet Crimes Against Children investigators, Homeland Security Investigations and task force officers from the Harrison Police Department.